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Why both Weather Ball and Hydro Pump? Psych Up usually isn't all that great either. I'd give it Thunder and some other move.

Weather Ball is in case the opponent swaps the weather to attempt shutting down a rain, sun, or hail-specific Castform. Its type changes with the weather, so it gives it a flexible last resort STAB attack.

I'm thinking about creating a printer-friendly Pokédex guidebook for Black and White versions. Let me know what you think about it here.

Physiology
Castform is an artificial Pokémon created by the Weather Institute in Hoenn. It was designed to help scientists predict the weather, and consequently changes its appearance (and type) when the weather changes.

Castform does not have a form for sandstorms or fog.

I figured it out after thinking about the weather he doesn't change for, but needed proof. I got this off of bulbapedia. He's used to predict weather, sandstorm is an earthly element and fog an aquatic element. Hope that helps!

With Castform's abysmal Speed, this is about all it can do: pseudo-revenge kill. It isn't fast enough to outspeed anything. It's Special Attack is so low, it's forced to use low-accuracy, high-damage moves.

^Just saying, if you're going to use Castform, do it in sun or rain....in hail, it won't be doing anything, while it at least reaches 225 power weather balls in sun and rain, which might help it do some damage with that awful special attack....some. Specs is also an option for all of your sets, since it can be used for wall breaking...sort of.

Since your opponents adapt to the weather they use, counter as needed. As per Items, Metronome allows you to fake a Choice Item while Wise Glasses is for your Special barrage. Choice Specs and Scarf are very bad for this set.

Solarbeam is not a good Castform option due to the near-identical coverage of Grass and Water Type Moves. Plus, Pokemon using the Sun are generally either Fire or Grass Type anyways.

Castform Counters
Cloud Nine Pokemon are a big, fat middle-finger to Castform. Dragon Types laugh at you without an Ice Type Move available. Sand Stream-tar, Sand Stream-Hipp', Drought-tales, and Drizzle-toed will punish you if you are stupid enough to set foot...er, cloud...into their territory. Any Pokemon with better stats than Castform's 70-all-around will likely mess Castform up, too.

Ludicolo and Lanturn can deal with Cast-Rain, any Fire Type with Ground or Rock Type Moves, like Camerupt, deals with Cast-Sun, and any Ice Type with a Fighting or Rock Type Move, like Abomasnow with Focus Blast, deals with Cast-Hail. If Castform is setting up the weather, any Pokemon with Mach Punch/Vacuum Wave and decent Attack/Sp.Atk will make you revise that strategy. Castform's main job is to force an opponent to adapt, which any less-than-moderately-skilled player can already do while half-asleep.

spinda got superpower +countrary it worked for me a few times in NU everyone got it's use... but they both just suck.
spinda got priority moves so it can attack something faster
castform doesn't have it but castform got 70 base stats instead of 60 of spinda...
It needs an evolution...

Originally Posted by Professor Oak

Only two things are infinite, the universe and the amount of zubat in caves, and I'm not sure about the former.

If your wondering why Castform doesn't have a Sandstorm form, is because sand isn't precipitation. Sand isn't made in the clouds and fall from the sky like hail and rain do, it only occurs in deserts. Sun is the absence of precipitation.

After some brief research, I still believe Castform could legitimately have a sandstorm form. Sandstorms in real life occur when wind blows up dirt, and if the dirt particles become fine enough, they become suspended. Eventually, they can go under a process known as “saltation”, where the particles of dirt are transported to other locations in fluids such a water.

In essence, sandstorms at least involve water, so really Castform could have a form for it.

Last edited by Charizard Lizzy; 16th January 2012 at 5:40 PM.

I'm thinking about creating a printer-friendly Pokédex guidebook for Black and White versions. Let me know what you think about it here.

After some brief research, I still believe Castform could legitimately have a sandstorm or even a fog form. Sandstorms in real life occur when wind blows up dirt, and if the dirt particles become fine enough, they become suspended. Eventually, they can go under a process known as “saltation”, where the particles of dirt are transported to other locations in fluids such a water.

Fog builds up when the temperature and dew point are less than 4 degrees Farenheit.

In essence, fog and even sandstorms involve water, so really Castform could have a form for both of those.

Fog has little to no use in competitive battling, and there is no way to set it up in battle.

The whole point of this pokemon is that weather teams often have a common weakness. Castform baits things in and exploits this. Mental Herb is for if you're using substitute, so you can always get it up. Focus Sash should only be used if you have a Rapid Spinner on your team. Protect makes sure your opponent uses the move you want it to. Disable is the main point of this set, Castform can get rid of a common weakness to your team. This can be very useful if your team has a lot of set up pokemon, as you force switches as you set up. Toxic or Thunder Wave depending on which would be more useful, as if the opponent tries to switch out the disable you can cripple the switch in, which might also hurt your team. Tailwind doubles the whole of your team's speed, which is very nice.

This Castform should be put on a weather team with a big weakness / with lots of set up pokemon.

Ok this is getting wierd. It seems the pokemon im thinking about most every week becomes the pokemon of the week lol (its happened the last 3 times). But anyway... I should post a set!
A great pokemon but should only be used on a team that knows weather moves.

What's the point of weather ball and ice beam on this set? It'll be a 100 base power ice type move in hail, Ice Beam will be a base 95 power ice type move, while Blizzard will be a base 120 power ice type move, while it never misses. I can guarantee that you'll be using Blizzard much more then weather ball/Ice Beam.

Now, Hail is probably the worst of the three weathers to use it in, but if Reno insist on making a hail set, Fire Blast should be on it, to hit steel types, which give most blizzard users problems.

The whole point of this pokemon is that weather teams often have a common weakness. Castform baits things in and exploits this. Mental Herb is for if you're using substitute, so you can always get it up. Focus Sash should only be used if you have a Rapid Spinner on your team. Protect makes sure your opponent uses the move you want it to. Disable is the main point of this set, Castform can get rid of a common weakness to your team. This can be very useful if your team has a lot of set up pokemon, as you force switches as you set up. Toxic or Thunder Wave depending on which would be more useful, as if the opponent tries to switch out the disable you can cripple the switch in, which might also hurt your team. Tailwind doubles the whole of your team's speed, which is very nice.

This Castform should be put on a weather team with a big weakness / with lots of set up pokemon.

As much as I like your creative thinking, can't they just swap out and use those moves later? I know gengar was successful, but it had common immunities and higher speed, and it would only remove those weaknesses for itself, and not teammates.

Overview:
As stated in the overview, Castform is basically a gimmick Pokemon. While its stats aren't too poor, it certainly leaves something to be desired in every category. However, its ability Forecast does make it versatile with weather effects (with Sandstorm being a possible exception). Basically, Castform is only good for weather teams, and even then it isn't too great.

Ability: Forecast: Castform changes form and type with the weather. However, this does not include Sandstorm, so it is limited to the others. Castform will be a Fire-type in the sun, a Water-type in the rain, and an Ice-tpe in the hail. Interesting, to say the least.

Sweeping with sun support. Fire Blast is your STAB in the sun and hits hard. Solarbeam not only benefits from not needing to charge in the sun, it also covers Castform's weaknesses when it's a Fire-type (Water, Rock, and Ground). The other moves are somewhat filler. Thunderbolt covers Water-types that aren't weak to Solarbeam, Hidden Power [Fighting] covers Steel, Rock, and Ground-types that resist Fire Blast and Solarbeam. Shadow Ball is mostly filler, although it would hit Psychic and Ghost-types for a super-effective hit.

Sweeping in the rain. Hydro Pump is your STAB and hits pretty hard. Thunder gets perfect accuracy in the rain, making it amazing. Since Castform is a Water-type in the rain, Ice Beam and Hidden Power [Ground] covers its weaknesses to Grass and Electric, respectively.

Castform in hail weather. Blizzard is a powerful STAB that has perfect accuracy in hail. Sweet deal. Hidden Power [Ground] covers Castform's weaknesses to Fire, Rock, and Steel, while Hydro Pump helps cover Fire and Rock-types even more. Fire Blast and Shadow Ball are filler and give some additional coverage.

Other Options:
Castform does have some utility moves that it could utilize: Tailwind, Thunder Wave, Disable. It has some options, however, Castform does not really have the defensive stats or the Speed to use them effectively. Castform should stick to sweeping.

The held item depends on your preference. Life Orb will boost all of Castform's moves by 1.3 times, but it will not be able to last as long due to losing 10% of its max HP. If you want Castform to "survive" better, the Wise Glasses won't cost HP, but its moves will only be 1.1 times stronger. While Castform could run Choice Specs/ Choice Scarf, it would be advised not to try this with the sun and hail sets, as it has issues with entry hazards, Stealth Rock when it is a Fire or Ice type. Castform would not want to be switching around too much.

Counters:

It completely depends on what the weather is like, which will determine Castform's type and movepool. Overall, special walls are the best way to deal with Castform, as it hardly goes physical and they can wear it down with Toxic or something. Castform is vulnerable to all entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock when it's in the sun or hail. Again, Castform is pretty much a gimmick Pokemon. It shouldn't be taken lightly, but don't overestimate it either.

Let's face it: ferret-esque Pokemon are the most epic Pokemon ever (to me)!!!!!! Why can't Nintendo make ones that AREN'T NU Pokemon?!? One of these guys in standard would make me quite happy.

On staff with The Navigators at University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Let's talk, trade, or battle if you ever see me!

Overview:
As stated in the overview, Castform is basically a gimmick Pokemon. While its stats aren't too poor, it certainly leaves something to be desired in every category. However, its ability Forecast does make it versatile with weather effects (with Sandstorm being a possible exception). Basically, Castform is only good for weather teams, and even then it isn't too great.

Ability: Forecast: Castform changes form and type with the weather. However, this does not include Sandstorm, so it is limited to the others. Castform will be a Fire-type in the sun, a Water-type in the rain, and an Ice-tpe in the hail. Interesting, to say the least.

Sweeping with sun support. Fire Blast is your STAB in the sun and hits hard. Solarbeam not only benefits from not needing to charge in the sun, it also covers Castform's weaknesses when it's a Fire-type (Water, Rock, and Ground). The other moves are somewhat filler. Thunderbolt covers Water-types that aren't weak to Solarbeam, Hidden Power [Fighting] covers Steel, Rock, and Ground-types that resist Fire Blast and Solarbeam. Shadow Ball is mostly filler, although it would hit Psychic and Ghost-types for a super-effective hit.

Sweeping in the rain. Hydro Pump is your STAB and hits pretty hard. Thunder gets perfect accuracy in the rain, making it amazing. Since Castform is a Water-type in the rain, Ice Beam and Hidden Power [Ground] covers its weaknesses to Grass and Electric, respectively.

Castform in hail weather. Blizzard is a powerful STAB that has perfect accuracy in hail. Sweet deal. Hidden Power [Ground] covers Castform's weaknesses to Fire, Rock, and Steel, while Hydro Pump helps cover Fire and Rock-types even more. Fire Blast and Shadow Ball are filler and give some additional coverage.

Other Options:
Castform does have some utility moves that it could utilize: Tailwind, Thunder Wave, Disable. It has some options, however, Castform does not really have the defensive stats or the Speed to use them effectively. Castform should stick to sweeping.

The held item depends on your preference. Life Orb will boost all of Castform's moves by 1.3 times, but it will not be able to last as long due to losing 10% of its max HP. If you want Castform to "survive" better, the Wise Glasses won't cost HP, but its moves will only be 1.1 times stronger. While Castform could run Choice Specs/ Choice Scarf, it would be advised not to try this with the sun and hail sets, as it has issues with entry hazards, Stealth Rock when it is a Fire or Ice type. Castform would not want to be switching around too much.

Counters:

It completely depends on what the weather is like, which will determine Castform's type and movepool. Overall, special walls are the best way to deal with Castform, as it hardly goes physical and they can wear it down with Toxic or something. Castform is vulnerable to all entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock when it's in the sun or hail. Again, Castform is pretty much a gimmick Pokemon. It shouldn't be taken lightly, but don't overestimate it either.

No, it's stats ARE poor. A 420 BST is terrible.

Credit to Beck for the RNG userbar.
As of August 18th 2012, I resigned as a CG leader.

Base Total 420 makes it comparable to Shelgon, Dragonair, Metang, Zweilous, Linoone, Mightyena, and Watchog:
-Shelgon gets Rock Head-Double Edge, Overcoat, and Eviolite as options, but lower HP, Specials, and Speed than Castform.
-Dragonair gets Marvel Scale, Shed Skin, Eviolite, and several Move options, but less HP and Defense than Castform.
-Metang gets most of what Metagross does plus Eviolite, but less HP, Sp.Atk, and Speed than Castform.
-Zweilous gets lots of Physical options for Hustle and Eviolite access, but less Sp.Atk and Speed than Castform.
-Linoone gets Gluttony-Belly Drum, but has less Defense and Specials than Castform.
-Mightyena has Intimidate, Moxie, and Quick Feet Abilities, lots of options, and only has lower Specials than Castform.
-Watchog gets Hypnosis, Super Fang, and the as-of-yet-unreleased DW Ability Analytic at the expense of lower HP, Defense, and Specials than Castform.

Don't hate Castform for its raw stat total alone. There are far more legitimate reasons to discourage its use. Castform's Movepool has to synergize with the weather and is limited in many cases, so its average HP and marginally-sub-average non-HP stats (to me, 80 is the "average" point for non-HP stats and 70 is average for HP) are good enough, especially with the ability to change to Fire, Water, or Ice Type with the weather.

Base Total 420 makes it comparable to Shelgon, Dragonair, Metang, Zweilous, Linoone, Mightyena, and Watchog:
-Shelgon gets Rock Head-Double Edge, Overcoat, and Eviolite as options, but lower HP, Specials, and Speed than Castform.
-Dragonair gets Marvel Scale, Shed Skin, Eviolite, and several Move options, but less HP and Defense than Castform.
-Metang gets most of what Metagross does plus Eviolite, but less HP, Sp.Atk, and Speed than Castform.
-Zweilous gets lots of Physical options for Hustle and Eviolite access, but less Sp.Atk and Speed than Castform.
-Linoone gets Gluttony-Belly Drum, but has less Defense and Specials than Castform.
-Mightyena has Intimidate, Moxie, and Quick Feet Abilities, lots of options, and only has lower Specials than Castform.
-Watchog gets Hypnosis, Super Fang, and the as-of-yet-unreleased DW Ability Analytic at the expense of lower HP, Defense, and Specials than Castform.

Don't hate Castform for its raw stat total alone. There are far more legitimate reasons to discourage its use. Castform's Movepool has to synergize with the weather and is limited in many cases, so its average HP and marginally-sub-average non-HP stats (to me, 80 is the "average" point for non-HP stats and 70 is average for HP) are good enough, especially with the ability to change to Fire, Water, or Ice Type with the weather.

This all proves that no Pokémon is completely useless. That's why we should say good things about each week's Pokémon. Every one has strong points and weak points. We shouldn't spend a week when we get a "bad" Pokémon trashing it, we should focus on its good qualities. Castform, like just about all other Pokémon, can be good or bad, it just depends on what Pokémon your opponent is using, and your effort on Castform's part.

This all proves that no Pokémon is completely useless. That's why we should say good things about each week's Pokémon. Every one has strong points and weak points. We shouldn't spend a week when we get a "bad" Pokémon trashing it, we should focus on its good qualities. Castform, like just about all other Pokémon, can be good or bad, it just depends on what Pokémon your opponent is using, and your effort on Castform's part.

Well said. As for a few options, you could go outside the typical Castform-box with several Moves. Ominous Wind/Shadow Ball/Hex, Energy Ball, Clear Smog, Icy Wind, and Swift are decent options for being unusual:
-A lucky Ominous Wind can give your bland stats a boost
-Shadow Ball helps with Ghost and Psychic Types you might face more reliably
-Hex pairs well if Scald's Burn effect kicks in
-Cast-Sun Movesets with Energy Ball help you deal with Rain
-Clear Smog is a 1-sided Haze with damage
-Icy Wind can help your Speed passively
-Swift gets a mention because it's a stronger Normal Type STAB than Weather Ball if weather is taken out of the equation

One question on castform recieving steal rock damage: Does it always recieve 1/8 damage, then change according to the weather, or does it activates forecast first, then recieve SR damage depending on its current typing?

...lol
Uh, I actually recommend Choice Scarf is the only Item of choice...ever...for Castform. Without the capability to outspeed stuff, Castform will never live long - it must rely on its crazy STAB capability and type advantages to deal the damage it needs. Specs with heavy, heavy Paralysis support is also effective.

I don't recommend any support options of any kind on Castform, except perhaps Thunder Wave. Obviously, Castform is used on a weather team to supply it power. It is heavily reliant on what appears to be the most gargantuan movepool of almost all Normal Pokemon. Usually, such a set is Special-based only. This allows Castform to be a Fire-Type Pokemon on a Sun team with a crazy movepool, etc. This movepool only got improved with the introduction of Hydro Pump, Scald, Clear Smog, Tailwind, etc.

Oh, BTW, Stealth Rock damage is calculated based on Castform's new typing.